About
We translate research into real-world impact, through evidence-based communications, advocacy, and policy engagement strategies. A home for partnerships, programs, and practice that drive progress on public health, the Lerner Center inspires bold action for public health equity, access, and impact.
Our Vision
A diverse, dynamic field of advocates ready to solve the greatest public health challenges of our time.
Our Mission
Build and support the field of public health advocacy through excellence in partnerships, teaching, and practice that inspires action on our greatest public health challenges. Rooted in evidence and rigor, our programming drives action that demonstrably prevents diseases, promotes equity, and improves public health impact.
Our Team
Shelley Hearne, DrPH
Director
Lerner Center for Public Health Advocacy
Deans Sommer and Klag Professor of the Practice in Public Health Advocacy
Diane Coraggio, MHS
Chief of Staff
Lerner Center for Public Health Advocacy
Amber-Ray Davidson, MS
Communications Associate
Lerner Center for Public Health Advocacy
Meghan Ames, MSPH, RD
Education Program Manager
Lerner Center for Public Health Advocacy
Martha Ruffin
Program Coordinator
Lerner Center for Public Health Advocacy
Avéon Laine
Communications Specialist
Lerner Center for Public Health Advocacy
Chanel Britt
Sr. Administrative Coordinator
Department of Health Policy and Management
Our Collaborators
Joanna Cohen, PhD, MHSc, is Chair of the Department of Health, Behavior & Society. She conducts research and capacity building to inform and advance interventions to eliminate tobacco-caused death and disease.
Shannon Frattaroli, PhD ’99, MPH ’94, translates evidence about injury and violence prevention into policies and practices that will create safe places for people to thrive.
Josh Horwitz, JD, works to reduce gun violence by utilizing public health research and health equity analysis to build advocacy campaigns that meet critical opportunities in the policy development process.
Celia Karp, PhD '20, studies psychosocial determinants of sexual and reproductive health and the ways services support or inhibit individuals in achieving their contraceptive and fertility goals.
Keshia Pollack Porter, PhD ’06, MPH, uses research to advance policies that promote health equity, especially where people live, work, play, and travel.
Beth Resnick, DrPH, MPH ’95, conducts systems research to transform state and local public health agencies by strengthening infrastructure and stimulating performance improvement.
Joshua Sharfstein, MD, works to develop and promote public health strategies, healthcare payment approaches, and regulatory policies that advance health and equity.
Michelle Spencer, MS, is a public health practitioner who focuses on the impacts of health equity, racial disparities, and health outcomes through community-based initiatives.